The Worst Day of My Life Ever!

by Julia Cook, Kelsey De Weerd (Illustrator)

Overview

RJ has a rough day. He wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses recess because he's late to school, earns a zero on his math homework and messes up Mom's kitchen. With his mother's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn't listen or pay attention to directions. Author Julia Cook's new book shows RJ as well as all K-6 readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life! This book is the first in the series Best ME I Can Be! to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. The skills are part of the Boys Town Education Model that has improved student behavior and classroom climates in hundreds of schools across the country. The book includes tips for parents and educators on how to effectively teach listening and following instructions skills to kids. Winner of the 2011 MOM's Choice Award Honoring Excellence and the National Parenting Center's 'Seal of Approval.'

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781934490211
Publisher:	Boys Town Press
Publication date:	03/20/2011
Series:	Best Me I Can Be! Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	434,022
Product dimensions:	1.70(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

Editorial Reviews

The didactic purpose of this story is obvious even from the subtitle: "My story about listening and following instructions." The story opens with RJ waking up late with gum in his hair because he didn't listen to his mother's warning not to go to bed with gum in his mouth. He shoves a cap on his head to cover the mess and almost misses the bus; at school he gets in trouble for running in the hall and not taking off his hat—and on it goes. Two thirds of the book is a follow-up mother to son sermon on the importance of really listening and of following instructions. This book is the first in "The Best Me I Can Be" series meant to teach children social skills. School counselors may find it useful to use this and others in the series to start discussions. One of the most useful aspects may be the tips for adults at the end including "Be genuine!" and "Pump up the positives. Catch kids doing something right and notice it!" Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry

Children's Literature - Mary Hynes-Berry